Our Beloved Charlie has passed away peacefully

It is with great sadness that I announce that Charlie, the resident Sea Turtle, at Couples Sans Souci passed away of natural causes at an estimated age of 80 - 100 years old..

A beloved fixture at Sans Souci since September 1951 and so named after the hurricane that brought her injured body to our shores, Charlie began exhibiting lethargic behavior over the weekend and a specialist was brought in to assess her. Despite all efforts, Charlie passed away peacefully and was laid to rest at sea yesterday.

We plan to build a small memorial, including her preserved shell, near the grotto where she lived and was loved for so many years.

Amazingly, as if a sign from above, another sea turtle has laid eggs on Sunset Beach. We are working with local authorities to determine whether or not we may place one of the hatchlings in Charlie's Grotto.

How sad. We are heading to CSS in a few days - can't believe she won't be there to greet us. We were last at CSS in 2005 and we really enjoyed taking a break from the beach to watch her then. Our condolences to the staff whom I am sure must miss her very much.

My wife & I would like to extend our sympathy for your loss. We first met Charlie in 2003 and lucky enough to see her again this August. Nothing in this world lasts forever. We need to appreciate what we have while it is here. I am sure she had a good life. It was here fortune to end up on your beach. She was able to stay at your resort for 58 years! Your resort welcomes all with open arms. All of you at Couples should be proud of the path that you've followed.

Oh jeeze, I'm crying... I can only imagine the care with which Couples folks attended to her in her time of need and the ultimate parting, letting the sea take her back home. I'm awestruck another turtle found SSB and laid her eggs in the safety of this beach! The prospect Charlie's Grotto may soon have new life is cool beyond words. As you say, this is all quite amazing Randymon. I love Mother Nature. Razzl

How sad, I'm so sorry to hear this. We were at CSS last year because of CTI being renovated and my husband was there everyday when they fed her. This past July we did a one day trading places and you guessed it, he was back there again taking pictures of Charlie. We have a ton of pictures, he will be sad when I tell him this news.

My condolences to the staff and management at CSS. I know that they will miss her. The one time we stayed at CSS, we were fortunate enough to see Charlie, briefly. I feel very honored to have had that moment. Especially now that Charlie has passed away. Like everything else at Couples, Charlie was quite unique. She brought smiles to many faces. She was truly an icon for CSS. She will be missed but she will be remembered in the hearts and minds of all that experienced her.

awww....we were just there this last week and saw how diligently everyone was taking care of her. What a shame. We had heard about the turtles nesting and I had made the comment to one of the ladies at the spa about having a "replacement" in case Charlie didn't pull through. A sad day indeed.

I took this picture on Saturday (9-12) when they had her fenced in for her safety.